Planning Board OK’s St. John Neumann site plan

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> The St. John Neumann Residence has nearly a century of history as a home for retired Redemptorist priests, a missionary order that first came to the Spa City in 1866. Now, with site plan approval from the city’s Planning Board, local developer Sonny Bonacio’s plans to convert the vacant building into senior living are moving forward.

“This is a project that can really be a model for other potential developments in the city,” Bonacio said.

Five years ago, the Redemptorists moved the last priests remaining there to other facilities and closed its doors, finding the space too large for their needs. It has been empty since.

The 55-and-older living facility at 233 Lake Ave. will have 85 units, on-site parking and expand on the current building by adding two new wings off the back of the building and a handicap accessible entrance.

Advertisement

The building’s curb appeal and much of the landscape will remain the same. The project’s architect, Mike Ingersoll of the LA Group said the intent of the design is to maintain the history and existing structure but add a few upgrades.

The Planning Board went through the site plan review process Wednesday night and unanimously approved the project to move forward. Now the deed language will need to be reviewed by the city attorney. Bonacio said he plans to continue to have public meetings about the project, to keep neighbors informed, he said.

“We need to maintain all 22 acres and we will have all the necessary conversations we need to with the city,” Bonacio said.

The project has already been granted a special use permit to operate as senior housing in the city’s UR-1 District. Previously, it was zoned for Institutional/Educational use. The change has been noted in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

At previous city council meetings about the project, the council showed support of the project and moved it forward unanimously but concerns over the buildings condition, specifically with asbestos and mold drew many away. Bonacio has said his company anticipates $600,000 in abatement issues for both of those issues as well as lead-based paint and other environmental hazards,both of which will, be addressed. The total cost of the project, including additions, is estimated at $12 million.

Bonacio said he will hire a full-time staff to maintain the building including a concierge, trash and snow removal, and general building maintenance.

In 2013, the Planning Board approved a proposal to separate St. Clement’s Church and Catholic school on Lake Avenue from the former St. John Neumann Residence, creating three separate lots, making the Neumann Residence eligible for sale. Bonacio then purchased the property.